UNCASVILLE — Geno Auriemma joked that Napheesa Collier would need to score 40 points and guard five players simultaneously to make up for Katie Lou Samuelson’s absence in the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

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All Collier did those first two quarters was score 29 points, one shy of the program-record for points in a half held by Tiffany Hayes. The senior’s sensational start sprung UConn (29-2, 16-0 AAC) to a 46-39 lead.

“I think it just comes so easily for her. She doesn’t stop working,” guard Crystal Dangerfield said. “(Auriemma) came in here at halftime and was like, ‘We have her, we have a couple trying, but it’s really just her out there.’

“We probably owe her dinner tonight, to be honest. Everybody probably owes her dinner for the next two weeks.”

Samuelson’s absence was noticeable early. The Huskies struggled to get out of the first quarter up two on a team they walloped last month by 63 points. Ultimately, though, the Pirates (16-15, 6-10 AAC) wore down.

Winners of 118 straight AAC games, UConn will play fifth-seeded South Florida in the semifinals Sunday at 4 p.m.

“Our mindset is supposed to change when the tournament starts, when the postseason starts,” Collier said. “I came in really focused today.”

Despite missing their top perimeter threat, the Huskies shot a healthy 52.9 percent from the floor. A large chunk of that was Collier, who was 15-of-20 from the field, including 11-of-13 in the first half. She also pulled down 13 rebounds.

“Phee just takes control for us,” guard Mikayla Coombs said. “She’s had an amazing senior year, her and Lou. And for her to step up when Lou’s out, I think she’s doing a great job. But, we can’t just let her do that every night. It’s unfair to her.”

Collier received some help from Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Starting in Samuelson’s place, the 6-foot-5 freshman (36 minutes) chipped in a career-high 17 rebounds and five blocks to go along with six points.

Nelson-Ododa’s presence alone was enough to frustrate ECU at times. The Pirates cooled off after a 22-point first quarter, shooting only 35 percent.

“You go in there a couple times, you get it blocked,” Auriemma said. “Now, even when she’s not there, the threat of her being there changes things. Hey, for only her second start, I thought she did a great job.”

Added Nelson-Ododa: “I still want to contribute as much on the offensive end as the defensive end.”

Fortunately, the Huskies got all the help they needed on offense from Collier. The senior shattered her previous conference tournament high of 24 points.

And the good news is, this performance may come with dinner from Dangerfield & Co.

“I’ll take them up on that,” Collier joked.

Taking it easy: Samuelson assured that she’ll be healthy to return for the NCAA Tournament. The two-time All-American missed her second straight game with back spasms and has already been ruled out for the AAC Tournament.

“I’m just getting my rest right now and trying to make sure I feel 100 percent when it comes down to it,” she said. “The team’s taking care of what they need to do, so I’m able to just take it day by day.”

Auriemma said Friday that it didn’t make sense to push Samuelson this weekend. The Huskies don’t open NCAA Tournament play until March 22 or 23.

“I feel good. I feel good where I’m at,” Samuelson said.

In the mix: Collier and Samuelson were among 15 players named to the John R. Wooden Award Ballot, it was announced Saturday. UConn is one of two programs with multiple candidates, joining Notre Dame (Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard).

The five finalists will be announced as part of the Wooden Award All-America Team following the Elite Eight. The winner will be revealed April 12.